Copa América: next edition set for 2028! (Official)

The tournament will keep its four-year cycle, but the host nation and Messi's future are still undecided

World Today at 08:30

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Copa América: next edition set for 2028! (Official)

The next Copa América will take place in 2028, with the host country yet to be determined and what could be Lionel Messi's final appearance looming on the horizon.

The Copa América is set to permanently return to its four-year rhythm. The next tournament is scheduled for 2028, four years after the edition held in the United States, which saw Argentina triumph over Colombia.

The host nation has not yet been named. The United States is reportedly in talks with CONMEBOL to host the competition once again, while Argentina and Ecuador are also in the mix. Should the format expand to include CONCACAF teams, Mexico could be invited as well.

A finally stabilized calendar

This decision brings much-needed stability to a tournament long played at irregular intervals. An exceptional edition was held in 2016 to celebrate the centenary, followed by tournaments in 2019 and 2021. The latter was initially scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After 2024, Copa América will adopt the same four-year cycle as the Euros.

The Copa América is returning to its traditional four-year schedule 🏆

Between 2015 and 2024, the tournament was played FIVE times in just nine years 🤯

The next edition will be played in 2028 👀 pic.twitter.com/XIp8p2PV2X
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) August 12, 2026

The last five Copa América champions

According to the official records, the last five editions have been won by:

2024: Argentina, defeated Colombia (1-0 after extra time)
2021: Argentina, defeated Brazil (1-0)
2019: Brazil, beat Peru (3-1)
2016: Chile, beat Argentina (0-0, 4-2 on penalties)
2015: Chile, beat Argentina (0-0, 4-1 on penalties)

Messi until Copa América 2028?

At 39, Lionel Messi has yet to announce his international retirement after leading La Albiceleste to the 2026 World Cup final. Having scored eight goals, the Argentine captain broke several records during the tournament.

Argentine Federation president Claudio Tapia has emphasized that Messi alone will decide when to call time on his international career. That means Messi could extend his journey through to 2028 and, at 41, play one final Copa América with his national team. One last dance remains possible, even if nothing is confirmed yet. Wait and see…